October 09, 2015

Knowsley’s Christmas panto is perfect family fun

The timeless magic of Dorothy and her journey along the yellow brick road will be brought to life in pantomime at Knowsley this Christmas.

The Wizard of Oz will see stars including soap actor Chris Simmons (Eastenders and The Bill) and children’s TV favourite Lucinda Rhodes (CBBC) take to the stage at Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park for an enchanting show from Saturday 5th December to Tuesday 8th December.

Join Dorothy Gale as she befriends a brainless Scarecrow (Chris Simmons), a loveable Tin Man and the cowardly Lion on their quest to thwart the evil powers of the Wicked Witch of the West. With a little help from Glinda the Good Fairy (Lucinda Rhodes) and the almighty and powerful Wizard of Oz, good is sure to conquer evil in this delightful family fun Christmas pantomime.

Packed with great songs, brilliant dance routines and plenty of laughter for all ages, it’s going to be the best value family-friendly pantomime in town!

The production is Trio Entertainments’ latest pantomime in Knowsley, following on from the success of last year’s performance of Cinderella at Christmas and Peter Pan at Easter.

Audiences can expect a star-studded cast, which also includes Liverpool’s own musical theatre star Rebecca Cummins as Dorothy. Jay Wallace-Langan plays the Lion and Gary Amos stars as Tin Man.

Chris Simmons, who is best known for pounding the beat on ITV's The Bill for 10 years as DC Mickey Webb will be playing the part of the Scarecrow. Chris is also known for his roles in EastEnders and in CBBC's Tracy Beaker as Gerry.

He said: “I can't wait to be in pantomime this Christmas. I have previously played Buttons in Cinderella and Dick Whittington and can't wait to appear in The Wizard of Oz."

Young audiences will also be familiar with CBBC star Lucinda Rhodes, who is best known for her roles in children's television shows including The Floogals, Cavegirl, Dreamteam and My Parents are Aliens.

Performances are on Saturday 5 December at 7pm and Sunday 6 December at 1pm and 5pm, with schools performances on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 December at 10am and 1.30pm.

Tickets are priced £10 for adults, £8 for children and concessions. If you’re planning to come in a large group you’ll get one free ticket for every 10 purchased. Book in person at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, on Longview Drive, Huyton; call 0151 443 2200 or book online at https://www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/the-wizard-of-oz-2015 (booking fees may apply).